8 Passengers mom arrested, charged with child Abuse. Oldest Daughter speaks out.
Shari Franke’s Story of Spiritual Drain and Estrangement from Her Family
Introduction
In this article, we will delve into the remarkable journey of Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of Ruby Franke, a well-known YouTube vlogger. Shari’s story gained attention when she revealed her decision to cut ties with her family on a podcast. She cited feeling “spiritually drained” as the primary reason behind her estrangement. The podcast discussion centered around her family’s involvement with a controversial group called ConneXions. This article aims to chronicle Shari’s experiences, shedding light on her path to personal growth and healing.
Early Family Life and the Introduction to ConneXions
Shari Franke’s upbringing was closely intertwined with her family’s YouTube channel, “8 Passengers.” With over 2 million followers, the channel documented the daily interactions of Ruby Franke, her husband, and their six children. However, as Shari entered adulthood, she began to question the extreme parenting methods showcased in the videos.
In the summer of 2022, Ruby Franke publicly joined ConneXions, a life-coaching group founded by therapist Jodi Hildebrandt. Initially, Shari saw this as an opportunity for personal growth and family bonding. The teachings of ConneXions seemed aligned with their Mormon beliefs, bringing them closer together.
The Spiral Into Extremism and Shari’s Struggle
As time went on, ConneXions started veering towards more extreme ideologies, intertwining their teachings with the Mormon gospel. This shift began to strain Shari’s relationship with her family. She started questioning the compatibility of ConneXions’ teachings with her Christian values and wondered if God would endorse such beliefs.
Throughout her freshman year in college, Shari grappled with the conflict between following the gospel and honoring her family. She felt torn between disagreeing with her family, which she believed to be sinful, and maintaining a sense of loyalty towards them. This internal struggle took a toll on her mental health, leaving her feeling spiritually drained.
The Decision to Cut Ties and Seek Healing
After months of grappling with her conflicting emotions, Shari made the difficult decision to cut ties with her family in September 2022. Though she did not disclose explicit details at the time, she made it clear that she did not support the extreme beliefs propagated by ConneXions. In an Instagram story, she urged her followers to remember that her estranged family was still her “real family” and requested privacy as they navigated this challenging situation.
The Arrest and Revelations
On August 30, 2023, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested on suspicion of two counts of aggravated child abuse. The arrest came after a severely malnourished child with duct tape on his wrists and ankles sought help from a neighbor, leading to the involvement of law enforcement. The incident occurred at Hildebrandt’s residence in Ivins, Utah, where both Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested.
The arrest shed light on the alleged abusive practices within ConneXions and the Franke family. The group’s authoritarian teachings and the Franke’s extreme parenting methods faced widespread criticism. Ruby Franke’s business partnership with Hildebrandt further fueled concerns about her awareness of the abuse and neglect.
Shari’s Relief and Call for Evidence
Following Rudy Franke, her mother’s arrest, Shari Franke expressed relief on her Instagram story, posting a photo of a police car with the word “Finally.” She expressed gratitude that justice was being served and acknowledged the efforts made to bring attention to the situation. Shari encouraged her followers to share any questionable or concerning videos related to ConneXions or the “8 Passengers” channel.
In an effort to gather evidence, Shari created a Google Doc and shared the link on her Instagram story. She invited people to submit links and information that could contribute to the ongoing investigation. This crowdsourcing initiative aimed to shed further light on the disturbing practices associated with ConneXions and the Franke family.
A Long Road to Healing and Rebuilding
While justice is being served through the legal proceedings, Shari Franke and her immediate family still face a long road to healing and rebuilding their lives. The impact of the past experiences and the estrangement from her family undoubtedly weighs heavily on Shari. It is crucial to respect their privacy during this challenging period as they navigate their individual paths to recovery.
Shari’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for personal growth even in the face of adversity. Through her courage to speak out and seek justice, she empowers others who may have experienced similar situations to find their strength and reclaim their lives.
